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TWO DISCOURSES 

ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEATH OF 

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, 

LATE PRESIDENT OF THE U, STATES. 



DELIVERED 



Kn the ®ttg of ^Cltoit, XUtnofe, 



ON SABBATH, APRIL 18; AND ON FRIDAY, MAY 14. 



BY 



GIDEON B. PERRY, 

PASTOR OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH, 



ALTON, ILL'S. 

$rfnt*Ur at the "mttm aelenratft" ®mt, 

1841. 



■?3 



Z 



Alton, June 1th, 1841. 
REV. SIR:— In common with the members of your church, the under- 
signec' citizens of Alton, beg leave to express the pleasure which they 
should derive from the perusal of your very interesting discourse, deliver- 
ed at the Baptist Church in Alton, on the 18th day of April last, in com- 
memoration of the lamented death of our late beloved President, WIL- 
LIAM HENRY HARRISON. Or, if it would not encroach too much 
upon jour time — they would be highly gratified to see embodied in one, 
this, together with the sermon pronounced at the same place, on the Fast 
day appointed by the Proclamation of President Tyler. They, therefore, 
respectfully solicit, for publication, a copy of one or both, in such form as 
may best suit your convenience; believing that a tribute so just and elo- 
ouent cannot fail to enhance the public gratitude and veneration so richly 
earned by ihe eminent Statesman, Scholar, Soldier, and Patriot, whose 
death we mourn. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 

CYRUS EDWARDS. 

SAMUEL G. BAILEY. 

JOHN BAILHACHE. 

N. D. STRONG. 

J. R. BULLOCK. 

SIMEON RYDER. 
Rev. Gideon B. Perry, M. D. 









%W %^»- *?■ <~&~»y . ^^' X*--® 



DISCOURSE 



"I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul." 

Isaiah— xxxviii, 15. 

One of two results usually follows the afflictive dispensations of the 
Almighty; either "hardness of heart," or "submission to God." This is 
true in the case of nations and of individuals. The text furnishes us with 
the exhibition of the fruit of humility and obedience, in consequence of 
the visitation of the righteous judgments of Heaven. It is a holy, guard- 
ed, subdued walk, attended with penitence of soul to the end of one's life. 
More cannot be required; and of it we may say, in the language of inspU 
ration — "It is enough." And here let me ask, if, as a nation, we are not 
admonished to walk softly before God? Whose voice has so recemly spo. 
ken from the high places of power in removing from us by death the Chitf 
Magistrate of these United States? Whose awful providence has dressed 
the chamber of the great and the brave in the drapery of sorrow? Who, 
to the man on whom this great people had fixed their hopes, has said, 
"corns doion?" 1 and suddenly he came down, and exchanged the insignia of 
a nation's trust for the shroud and the tomb? In the midst of hope, of joy, 
and of veneration, that holy Being, who sitteth in the heavens, and count- 
eth man as dust, has dashed our cup with bitterness and lamentation; and 
there goeth up, from the length and breadth of this land, the gloomy dirge, 
"Know ye not that there is a great man fallen." 

Having finished their public duties, and retired to the shades of domes- 
tic tranquillity, the majority of our Chief Magistrates have descended the hill 
of life, and quietly repose in the last bed of man. — For these events this 
Nation was somewhat prepared. But now, in the mjdst of plans merely 
sketched out; while not only this people, but, as it were, the civilized 
world, in a hushed breath were wailing for the development and issue of 
affairs pregnant, as was trusted, with a nation's weal — I say, in this state 
of things we are called to pause, dig the grave, and bury from our sight the 
very personage on whom the consummation of these things eminently de- 
pended. Solemn and appalling are these facts; but they are conducted by 
a wise and unerring hand. We needed this check. As a people, we have 
long been blessed of Heaven; but, I fear, in the midst of prosperity we have 
too much forgotten the fountain of all good. It may seem wise and befit- 
ting, therefore, that Heaven should thus speak to us. 

The Presidential Chair of this Union has always, with much propriety, 
been esteemed as a civil eminence worthy of the ambition of the clearest 



heads, purest hearts, and noblest energies, of any amongst us. Those who 
aspire to it contemplate it doubtless as a Diploma of honorable fame, sign- 
ed by the ruling voice of a great and a noble people. In that "high place" 
is honor and trust, and a name of civil eminence, written on the page of a 
nation's history, which eternity's rolling wave alone can wash out. But 
who till now has thought of dying there? Who has thought of being 
placed there to greet, and receive the greetings, of his friends, and walk in 
power a few short weeks, and then go down to the grave? Ah! this is a 
lesson! — a sermon never before preached in the gay halls of that distinguish- 
ed residence. 

We are furnished with the order of the parades in honor of the late In- 
auguration. We have been interested in the reports — in the descriptions 
of the floating fhgs, and their joyous mottoes, all telling of hope and tri- 
umph. We have also, with profound regard, read the sayings of the ven- 
erable orator and Magistrate, in which is shown, amidst other important 
matters, his own solemn sense of his sworn obligation to discharge the 
functions of his high office with faithfulness before God, and justice to man. 
We heard too of the ushering in of the day by the loud peals of cannon, 
and of the proud salute when all were dismissed, and with approving smiles 
and glee of heart returned in peace to their homes. But what now arrests 
our attention? 

A day has come! — Ah! a day! Voices and footsteps are heard, but so 
subdued and muffled that our very blood stands cold. What means this? 
The President of these United States is RESIGNING his station. 
Not at the call of his constituents, it is true; but at the silent and irresisti- 
ble requirement of his Creator and Judge. He is stepping down from his 
high earthly eminence. Ho is relinquishing his station to whomsoever 
may receive it; for he stops not to ask, who? He can hold it no longer. — 
This day of resignation coraeth not in by the salute of cannon, and the note 
of mirth; but by the death. sob of our dying Chief. 

A few hours pass, and there is another gathering. Officers and compa- 
nies, carriages and footmen, assemble — and vast is the throng. There is 
an Orator. He speaks, but with a tone so subdued, and a visage so clothed 
with awe, that we well know sorrow is in his heart. There is a pennon 
too. Its sable fringes wave not. It rests coldly on the gloomy hearse, 
which soon must bear away forever from our sight the head of this Nation. 

Now, contrast these events; and then tell me, if human pride is not 
humbled, human hopes withered, and vanity reproved? Have we not here 
a solemn admonition to walk softly before our God? Is not this reproof— a 
voice designed to reach persons who, from their civil elevations, have fooU 
ishly anil wickedly forgotten, that verily "the Most High ruleth in the king- 
dom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will?" A truth, that Nebu- 
chadnezzar, that proud Prince of Babylon, learned not until seven tedious 
vears of sorrow from Jehovah's mighty hand fell, as a thick cloud, upon 



5 

his guilty history. Then his "reason returned to him;" and he lifted up 
his eyes, and confessed that the "Heavens do rule." 

When Washington died — when the elder Adams, Madison, Jeffer- 
son and Monroe, followed — we gathered up their dying words as treasures 
enriched the more for having fallen from the lips of those who had led their 
country, and put forth their best energies in her service. The name of 
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON is now added to the list of the depart- 
ed Presidents. Though in this capacity, short was his career, he has nev- 
ertheless furnished as ample testimony of true love of country as any of 
his compeers. A man in the prospect of life, and injthe execution of civil 
power, may, for instance, utter sage and good things, which afterwards he 
does not find convenient to fulfill. He may change his purpose, principal, 
ly because he did not utter alike intended. The policy of a future course, 
which is liable to be swayed, more or less, by unforeseen incidents, may 
deceive him, so that by his words- we may not always get his heart. But 
when life is closing; when eternity and the prospect of the immediate 
presence of Almighty God, are lights to the deep sentiment of his secret 
soul; it is then, if ever, a man utters that only which he feels, and that too 
from which he knows he cannot turn away under any circumstances that 
may follow him in this life, or in the next. This last position characterized 
the dying scene or 5 our late Chief Magistrate. But a moment, as it were- 
before his decease, he said — "I wish you to understand the true principles 
of the Government. I ivish them carried out. I ask nothing more." 

"A death. bed," we are told, is a "detector of the human heart." Here, 
then, we have the heart of the late President Harrison. Immortal words. 
Let them pass down to all future ages until time shall be no more. Irre- 
futable proof is this, of his genuine love of country; — words which ought 
to seal the lips of every opposer. It shows what he intended to do accord- 
ing to the best of his ability, had his life been spared. 

I offer not this meed of approbation as a political adherent. You all 
know that I am no politician. I never cast a political vote in my whole 
life. I would be the private protector of the good name of all our Presi- 
dents; and surely I am the political foe of none of them. I am now simply 
giving honor to whom honor is due, by evidence coming to us under cir- 
cumstances which it would be sacrilege to withhold, if not parricidal. 

These patriotic and illustrious words are a worthy motto upon which 
might be predicated an appropriate eulogy to the memory of him who ut- 
tered them. A beautiful' and forcible text, from which can be adduced 
grand and vital truths. — 

First, doctrinally— "understand the true principles^of this Government. " 

Second, practically — "carry them out." 

Third, the feelings and dying prayer of the true patriot, — "I ask nothing 
more." 

A Nation may well bedew the grave of such a man with the tear of regret; 



And if in his living acts he won upon the heart, in his dying words he haa 
gained much more. 

And what are we allowed to say favorable of the dead as a Christian? 
Firm in the belief am I, that religious principle is the true basis of all per- 
manent success in every proper station in life. An appeal to the histories 
of the renowned personages of past times, be they good or bad, is sufficient- 
ly illustrative on this point. Of Julius Cae3ar, none need doubt the noble 
fire of his heart that burned in pure zeal for his country in the early stage 
of his reign. Of Napoleon, none need doubt his intrepid valor and intel- 
lectual strength. But alike their suns set in sorrow. They lacked reli~ 
gious principle. The love of power, fed by unsubdued ambition, proved 
their downfall. The absence of this same principle laid the mighty Alex- 
ander in a drunkard's grave. On their tombs and many of their prototypes, 
might with propriety be inscribed the words of the immortal Seneca — "He 
who is too powerful, is still aiming at that degree of power which is unat- 
tamable.'** 

While I attribute to all our Presidents superior ability in political ac- 
umen; and to such of them as were called to it, superior bravery in their 
country's defense; I also say that those of the number who have openly, 
and in their official documents and acts, whereever and whenever it was 
practicable, acknowledged their sincere belief in, and humble dependence 
on, the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ, and maintained a life accord- 
ingly; have now, and will continuo to have, even to the end of time, the 
brightest record in the page of history. 

America is the nursery of the religion of "Jesus of Nazareth"; and what- 
ever may befall other Governments, here the religion of the Bible will 
prove an asylum, whose temple will not be deserted, nor the doors there- 
of bolted. 

A portion of our Presidents, (and I give to God most hearty thanks for 
it,) have furnished the evidence authorizing us to believe and pronounce 
them practical Christians. Washington long ago fell asleep on the bosom 
of "God and the Lamb.'" John Quincy Adams, through weal and through 
woe, has not only avowed his belief in the being of God, — which I allow a 
Deist may do, — but he has avowed his faith in the crucified and risen Re- 
deetner, and worshiped at his footstool. And what is the result? There 
he stands yet, in a sound and honorable old age, like a rock amidst the 
contending waves — smitten, but never conquered. Clear and bold is his 
voice for suffering innocence; ready is he to put forth his hand to any work 
where justice, humanity and the truth shall demand. A stranger to fear, 
and abo^e flattery, he is doing the work of a great and a good man; and 
posterity shall not fail to do his name justice. I attribute his singular and 
noble perseverance in well doing, not as some have, to obstinacy of tem- 
per; but to the wish to adhere to what he views religious principle. 

* "Quod non potest, vuit posse, qui nimium potest." 



One other, since he has retired to private life, I know, has entered his 
venerable and illustrious name with the saints of the Most High God. — 
Peace to the setting sun of Andrew Jackson. 

The late Incumbent of the Executive chair of these States, if we may 
credit the testimony of one who has averred the ftct, ranks with his Chris- 
tian predecessors.* He did aver his belief in the religion of Christ in his 
Inaugural Address. 

Deeply do we regret that he could not be spared practically to exem- 
plify the same in his high station. Much would this tend to have turned 
the minds of our rising sons to this pure faith. The moral influence which 
theChiefof a nation nrght put forth, isof great and solemn moment. — 
How many, in a Christian land, have occupied the station, have remained 
there for years, and gone down from it, and by precept or example, left not 
one mark, or word, to show that they either loved, or honored, the Chris- 
tian religion. Irreligion, we believe, is the ruin of an individual's peace 
and safety. Even so is it of a nation. May we, therefore, as it were over 
the lifeless form of a Christian Chief Magistrate, be admonished to walk 
softly before God, aid dash from our lips the withering, scalding cup of in- 
fidelity and sin. Can any one for a moment imagine that a man enters 
Heaven because death finds him in the high places of the earth? Did not 
the distinguished dead in this case require the approving presence of the 
great King of Glory, in order to find a resting place for his soul within the 
portals of God's Kingdom above? 

A nation may rebel against the Divine authority, and rob itself of na- 
tional prosperity— such as liberty, wealth, and harmony among its own 
members. But when an individual sins, he risks his soul. For as a na- 
tion our judgment is in "this life;" but as individuals in "the life to come." 

How clear and distinct is the import of this visitation! How plainly are 
we told that the summit of human elevation affords no guaranty against the 
shafts of death. "Man being in power abideth not. He is brought down 
in a moment and laid in the dust." Not less are the great and the known 
exempt from future and eternal retribution, than are the humble and the 
obscure. "It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judg- 
ment." 

To render a free government permanent and sure, there needs not any 
legislative interference on behalf of religion; but there must be virtue in 
the people as well as in the rulers. The honor of just rulers and a virtu- 
ous people is necessarily reciprocal. The basis of the one is the stability of 
the other. With what golden hues does the sun gild the horizon on a clear 
morning? Even so, when Magistrates "fear God and keep his precepts," 
how pure the influence they spread among the people! As well might 
yoa say that the sun will furnish no light and heat to theearlh, when tow- 
ering to his meridian altitude, as to believe that the example of such ru- 

* £ee second discourse. 



8 

lers will not produce with those they govern, the most beneficial and sal- 
utary results. Such Magistrates are to their subjects what the sun is to 
the world rising in his strength, studded with the "beauty of the Lord." 

To what extent, the personage whose death we mourn, has accomplish- 
ed these things, I attempt not to say; along life of usefulness in the service 
of his country must answer. He has closed a valuable and truly distin- 
guished career, and has passed on to that region where no praise or blame 
of ours can reach him. He has sunk into a sleep, from which he will not 
awake until the angel's trump shall speak in tones to rend the earth, and 
roll away the sky, and bid the dead come forth. 

Said the poet of the Emperor Augustus— "Late may you return to Hea- t 
ven, and long may you continue to gladden your people with your pres- 
ence."* Doubtless, this has been the sentiment of a great majority of this 
Union respecting our late President. But an Allwise Providence has oth- 
erwise determined. 

Called, then, as we are, fellow citizens, to deplore the removal by death 
of so distinguished, honorable and experienced a soldier, statesman and 
patriot, we will cherish in our hearts profound respect for his memory, and 
offer up our prayers to Heaven that this righteous visitation may be follow- 
ed by the blessing of God, and sanctified to the civil and military Officers, 
and to the People in general of these United States. 

Brave warrior sleep; 
Release is come. 
From war retreat, 
Thy work is done. 
To thee we gave a Nation's love; 

No richer crown can mortals wear. 
Receive from Him who sits above, 
One better far, more pure, and fair. 
We'll cypress wave, 

And tell our sons — 
Revere the grave 
of Harrison. 



"Serus in Caelum redeas, dinque laeto, 

Intersis populo." Horace. 



DISCOURSE — II 



"When I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned certain 

days, and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven." 

' Nehemiah—i, 4. 

In accordance with the request of the acting Chief Magistrate of 
this Union, that this day be regarded by fasting and prayer on account of 
the death of our late President, William Henry Harrison; and the 
church over which I preside having passed an order to comply with the 
same: I am again called to address you. 

The circumstances under which we are assembled are truly impressive, 
and we may well adopt the sentiment contained in the text. The Proph- 
et and his People were in sorrow. The heavy hand of desolation, had 
passed upon their once beautiful city, and prostrated its walls, and scat- 
tered its inhabitants. It was in the heart of this holy Seer, if to avert the 
blow it was too late, now to prepare his countrymen to bear with humility, 
and receive with fortitude, this severe national calamity. "And it came 
to pass when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned 
certain days, and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven." 

And is there no occasion for a somewhat similar conduct on the part of 
this Nation? Are we prepared to say that the Almighty does not design, by 
this sudden and unexpected visitation, to turn our attention to a more sol- 
emn review of the past — to deeper humility of heart — to unfeigned repent- 
ance before Him for sin — and to supplicate for His merciful and special 
regards? In my judgment, He does. 

This day is solemnly set apart to the service of fasting and prayer. In 
conjunction with the doctrine of the text, and as appropriate to the occa- 
sion, allow me, therefore, to propose and examine the following topics: — ■ 

1st. The origin and duty of fasting. 

2d. Some of the specific acts of a fast. 

3d. Apply the subject to the mournful event which has given rise to 
this assemblage. 

First — The duty of fasting originated with God himself. It is found 
among the many injunctions given to that renowned people, the Jews. — 
They were to hold a national fast every year. On this occasion, they 
made tenfold confession for their transgressions, and amicably ended all 
their difficulties. They offered sacrifices for their sins, and, through the 
High Priest, confessed them on the head of the scape goat, which bore 
them away into the wilderness, and Ihen returned to the abodes of man no 
more. 



10 

Fasting, which always ha9 coupled with it prayer and^upplication, was 
God's appointed] method whereby nations could acknowledge his Govern- 
ment; and by which they might rid themselves of whatever was likely to 
draw down upon them the displeasure of Heaven. 

Thus, as in the case of the Ninevites, when it was proclaimed that their 
destruction was threatened, they knew at onca what was required, in order 
to their safety. "And Jonah began to enter the city a day's journey; and 
he cried and said — yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So 
the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sack- 
cloth from the greatest of them evpn unto the least of them." 

Though it was proclaimed — "yet forty days and Nineveh shall be de- 
stroyed," yet I say, this King had no hesitancy what to do. Fasting, with 
its appropriate duties, was an ordinance previously established by the same 
Almighty Being who had issued the threatening, as a standing ordinance 
of relief, forever. He promptly complied with the prescribed way of es- 
cape, and did escape — Nineveh was saved. 

Well and truly then has our President said in his affecting Proclama- 
tion — "When a Christian people feel themselves to be overtaken by a great 
public calamity, it becomes them to humble themselves, and in the dispen- 
sation of divine Providence, to recognize his righteous government over the 
children of men, to acknowledge his goodness in times past, as well as 
their own unvvorthiness, and to supplicate his merciful protection for the 
future." 

And will this Nation do so? On what ground dare we refuse? The 
service itself is appropriate. The request comes from the Chief Magis- 
trate of our beloved Republic. It is issued because a Nation is bereaved, 
and it is the only appointed remedy by which the Supreme Ruler of the U- 
niverse has said he would turn away his anger. My countrymen, shall we 
not say — "when I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned 
certain days, and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven?" 

In deep and severe trials, both individuals and nations should hold a sol- 
emn fast before the Lord. — Look again at the language of the Proclama- 
tion. "The death of William Henry Harrison, late President of the 
United States, so soon after his elevation to that high office, is a bereave- 
ment peculiarly calculated to be regarded as a heavy affliction, and to im- 
press all minds with a sense of the uncertainty of human things, and of the 
dependence of nations as well as individuals, upon our Heavenly Father." 

When I hear such language, so subdued and penitent, — such sentiments, 
so full of evangelical truth, and so much in accordance with an humble 
dependence on our Heavenly Father — coming from one high in power in 
our midst; I cannot forbear saying, Harrison, has not died in vain; for if 
his solemn removal has not created, it has brought forth to public view, 
these touching sentiments and emotions. 

Secondly — What are some of the appropriate acts of a fa3t. 



11 

1st. We must abstain from creature indulgences. Not only food, but 
"all things" which have a tendency to turn the mind off from suitable con- 
templations in the service before us. On such an occasion, it is meet that 
the body should feel something of that weakness which must in all cases 
occur in the absence of animal food. Let the body, if it will, tremble 
for a moment under the frailty, which one day must prostiate it in the dust. 
The lusts of the flesh, have too much engrossed our pursuits; and the body 
has been too much consulted to the guilty neglect of the soul. Learn, 
then, by fasting and prayer, to live for a season "by faith on the Son of 
God." 

2dly. A faithful review of the past. There is one leading duty con- 
nected with fasting. God has commanded it. Israel reviewed their past 
annual history, and forgave every one his brother, his trespasses. They 
examined their lives, and whatever they found to be wrong they promptly 
abandoned. 

No other service can surpass the importance of this. It is by such a re- 
view we ascertain our errors, and enter upon reformation. By it we are 
reminded of the fading nature of all earthly enjoyments, and that much of 
life is past, to return no more. 

3dly. We must humble ourselves before God. The correct discharge 
of one duty usually prepares the way for the performance of another, and 
yet another; and thus progress is made in the divine life. By a faithful 
review of the past, and by marking the changes which have occurred, we 
feel that thers is nothing abiding under the sun, and that man's life is of 
but few days and full of trouble. Such reviews fill us with humility before 
God. We consider his power — his unwavering course; and that, in spite 
of erring man, he will do all his pleasure. Comparing our own course 
with the pure laws of our Creator, and reflecting upon the wide contrast 
between them, we "cease from man," and are humbled in the very dust. 

But if we never thus reflect, we shall never be suitably humbled.— 
Hence the value and use of private and national afflictive visitations. In 
the admonition before us, the Divine Being has so spoken that all hearts 
from the highest to the lowest of this nation, should hear his voice, feel 
and acknowledge his dominion. 

Christian humility consists not merely in silence, or in yielding quietly 
to what we cannot avoid. But it is a sweet, subdued, and hearty compli- 
ance with the will of God, because his will is so esteemed and revered, 
that no other will can satisfy us so well. It is a person's conviction of his 
own weakness in contrast with the being and excellence of Jehovah. It 
is to survey ourselves, and all that is earthly, coming under our observa- 
tion, and contrast them "with things heavenly and divine;" and then to fore- 
go the former, whenever they tend to an ascendency over the latter. Such 
a soul is broken and contrite. Said David — "As for me, I humbled my soul 
with fasting." 



12 

4thly. Penitence and prayer belong to fasting. Notwithstanding sin 
is very offensive to God, and when found in an individual or a nation, is 
that on which he fixes his firm displeasure, and declares, as he lives it 
shall not go unpunished, and that perseverance in it shall bring upon the 
perpetrator his wrath; yet, has he said to a people who had wickedly 
trampled upon his Jaws — "Therefore, also, now saith the Lord, turn ye 
even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and 
with mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments, and turn unto 
the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of 
great kindness." Now, this is God's way to save a people, who otherwise 
are devoted to destruction. 

The examples of this truth are abundant. 

It is affecting — indeed, we can scarcely conceive of any thing more so— 
to behold the entire conduct of the Ninevites, when threatened with the 
displeasure of God. It is thus described — "For word came unto the 
King of Nineveh, and he arose fronfhis throne, and he laid his robe from 
him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it 
to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh, [by the decree of the 
King and his nobles,] saying, let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste 
any thing; let them not feed, nor drink water. But let man and beast be 
covered with sackcloth, and (thus) cry mightily to God: yea, let them turn 
every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in his hand. 
Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce 
anger, that we perish not?" 

What a spectacle was this? and what absorbing facts are furnished? — 
Were there not national sins here? sins which attra3ted the notice of the 
God of Heaven? Did he not manifest his displeasure? Were not these 
sins of sufficient enormity to induce htm to threaten the total overthrow 
of their city? Certainly, these things are clearly set forth. Happy for 
Nineveh that they had such a King. Happy for the people that they "&e- 
Zieuei 6kkZ." Had they been incredulous, fatal would have been the re- 
sult. 

These sad news reached the King while he wa3 on his throne, and attir- 
ed in his royal robe. But on hearing of this "word of the Lord," he rose 
from his throne, laid his royal robs from him, covered himself with sack- 
cloth, and sat in ashes. What does this, conduct on the part of the 
King tell us? It tells, that he quickly yielded his authority to that of Hea- 
ven. He brought his own decrees to acquiesce with the requirements of 
his God. He was humble, and took shame to himself; and with this ex- 
ample he led his people forth, and the threatened storm was averted. — 
"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God 
repented of the evil that he had said that he would do unto them, and he 
did it not." How true it is, that God will spare the people who sue unto 
him lor protection, by penitence and prayer. 



13 

Thirdly — Suffer me now to apply this subject to the mournful occasion 
which has called us together. 

That man must be more than a heathen, who does not admit that the re- 
moval by death of our late President, is a national bereavement; and one 
which requires the nation solemnly to ask Heaven for its appropriate ap- 
plication. 

Sometimes I have thought that General Harrison's life has been taken 
for the benefit of his country. I mean to say, that God saw that this peo- 
ple would not listen to any ordinary warning. He knew they had, almost 
to adoration, fixed their heart on this man. They had already placed him 
in their minds' eye side by side with the immortal Washington. He 
was not only daily showing his vital love for his country, and thus silen- 
cing the voice of what little murmuring might remain, but it was becom- 
ing constantly more and more apparent, that this man was resolved on gov- 
erning this people "in the fear of the Lord" — that he was determined, as 
far as he was able, to render his own government subservient to the gov- 
ernment of the living God. Had he lived to carry these measures out, 
most certainly much good would have been the result. He would have 
served his term, retired to honorable and peaceful life, and in the end, 
sunk quietly into the grave. History would faithfully have perpetuated 
his wisdom, fame and goodness. 

And did he not live long enough, and did he not do enough to secure 
these? Yes, surely. The wise, the patriotic, the calm, and the good 
Harrison, are all appendages to his name which the tartarized breath of 
malice itself can never expunge. 

But had he fallen in private life, could his death have sent such a voice 
to the very heart of this whole nation? Ah! could it have sent a voice, 
like the present, over the civilized world? What has the death of Gen- 
eral Harrison done? It has awed the American world into silence be- 
fore the Majesty of Heaven. It has sent out an advocacy for "truth and 
righteousness" from the highest seat of power in our midst: — a place from 
which, it may be, "the fear of God" had been too long, and too much ex- 
cluded. It has brought from his Successor, a document which recognizes 
the being, holiness and power of the Supreme Ruler. It has made our 
present Chief Magistrate the author of an appeal to the American people, 
to fear God, and worship at his footstool. A service has he thus rendered 
which must continue to profitably affect his entire administration. 

It was not life, but death, that brought President Tvler to his respon- 
sible station. It was the death of his beloved and honored friend. The 
people of this nation had made them companions; but God's hand struck 
off the bond of union, and "one is taken, and the other is left." 

I do not believe there ever was a time when the great mass of these Uni- 
ted States, felt so forcibly the conviction of the truth of the Christian reli- 
gion, and the importance of the Divine protection in human government, 



u 

as now. And yet, it must be admitted that this state of things has been 
put in motion by the death of the Good Harrison. 

And is it asked, that if this death is likely to result in so much advan- 
tage in a moral point of view, why hold a fast, as though we would lament? 
We do most sincerely lament this visitation, notwithstanding. For sure- 
ly, what must be the condition of that, people, whose public ear had be- 
come so deaf, and whose national heart so callous, as to be indisposed to 
arouse and acknowledge that "the Heavens do rule," until their best earth- 
ly support is fatally riven from them? If it required such a blow as this 
to teach us the connection that every government on earth should have 
with the great Supreme; most assuredly we may well hold a fast. 

There are a few considerations which I desire here to introduce, which 
give interest and importance to the present aspect of things. 

1st. The decease of General Harrison has given occasion for the ex- 
pression of the religious principles of our present Chief Magistrate. 

After writing and setting his name to so noble a document as his Proc- 
lamation, President Tyler cannot well rescind his belief in all that is 
valuable to a Republican Government. — That is, the recognition of the 
cardinal doctrines, and the importance of the practice, of the duties of the 
Christian religion. 

What can we find more true and affecting, amidst all the productions of 
man, than the following? 

"To the end that, on that day, we may all, with one accord, join in hum- 
ble and reverential approach to him in whose hands we are, invoking him 
to inspire us with a proper spirit and temper of heart and mind, under 
these frowns of His Providence; and still to bestow his gracious benedic- 
tions upon our government and our country." 

With such a leader, my country shall be blest and happy. We do not 
suspect President Tyler of insincerity. His past life would give to the 
thought a full contradiction. We believe he feels what he has uttered, 
and means to practice what he recommends. He asks his country to join 
him on this day, in humble prayer to the great Judge of all. And what 
answer shall be returned? If the aspect of the present numerous assem- 
bly is any presage, then is the response — Thou shalt not apply to thy peo- 
ple in vain ! 

We may expect, then, something of a bright sunshine in our onward his- 
tory. This hope, however, so far as my individual faith is concerned, is not 
founded on "the wisdom of the world;" but purely on the great truth, that 
when our Rulers fear God and seek his blessing, the people learn righteous- 
ness. When the Lord protects a nation, then it is that the land increases. 

I have much feared that men occupying high civil stations, would final- 
ly blot out the blessed name of Christ from every public paper. When this 
is done, farewell to our virtue, peace and liberty. The Jews denied 
Christ; and where are they now? Scattered_over the earth, never again 



15 

to meet in love and prosperity, until assembled in the name, and by the 
authority, of the very Being they have once discarded. 

Proud France, in an unfortunate moment, rejected the Christian religion, 
and how quickly the sun of her prosperity sunk into the cold night of civi 
despotism, and moral degradation. — If Rome, said Seneca, had not become 
prodigal, she would not have lost her freedom. When we visit the classic, 
but profaned ruins of Athens and Rome, and ask the page of history, where 
is the freedom immortalized by the thrilling rhetoric of Demosthenes, and 
the polished orations of Cicero? the answer will be, knowledge became 
prodigal, and liberty departed, or sunk into exile. Proud Greece, there- 
fore, and imperial Rome, held their eminence and distinction only as they 
bowed before the altar of morality. The achievements of knowledge tru- 
ly are great and marvellous. Knowledge has transformed the ocean into 
the highway of nations. It has made steam, wind, wave, heat, and cold, 
minister to the comforts and elegancies of life. It has made the rough 
insensible marble speak and breathe. It has made the pencil of Raphael, 
give body and soul to color, light and shade. It has enabled the magnet, 
the mysterious polarity of the load-stone, to conduct man over the track- 
less bosom of the deep to islands of the sea; while, by the glass, it has in- 
troduced astonished man to the grandeur of a thousand worlds. It has led 
the army through blood and carnage, on to victory; and spread the power 
of civil dominion over nations. It has ranged the earth, struck down into 
the sea, and stretched its hands to the Heavens. And then for the want 
of moral ballast — the temper of God in the soul — it has maddened the mind, 
inflated the brain, poisoned the heart, and turned man back to ignorance, 
or sunk him down into worse than Pagan idolatry. 

A similar course will never fail to produce similar results. 

2dly. We are furnished with the private religious history of General 
Harrison, which cannot fail to exert a public and happy influence. 

Strange though it may appear, yet so it is, that many persons suppose 
that an attachment to the faith of the Christian religion is indicative of 
mental imbecility. Thus, in too many instances, we see as men advance 
in high civil stations their regard for the religion of the Bible disappears; 
so that we almost wonder to find genuine adherence to it, in places of civ- 
il distinction. And why is this? We this day have read of one who, in 
the days of Kings, laid off his robe and descended from his throne, to wor- 
ship in humility and penitence at the command of his God. And did he 
reascend his throne, and assume again his royalty, with less honor to him- 
self, and less influence with his subjects, for having so done? Far from 
this. Let us learn, therefore, that the true dignity of human greatness is 
to believe in and acknowledge the Author of our being, and to distinguish 
our entire career by a rigid adherence to the ennobling principles of the 
Christian faith. This, we are informed, General Harrison did. 

Many of you present will recollect my views of him as a sound minded 



16 

man, and a patriot, as announced some days ago from this desk. At that 
time, I simply knew that those who were best acquainted with him, con- 
sidered him a man of God.* This position I am now abundantly prepared 
to sustain. And you cannot imagine what pleasure it gives me to be able 
thus to speak of one on whom my beloved countrymen had fixed their con- 
fidence, and to whom they had committed their interests. 

The Rev. Hora.ce Bushnell, (the gentleman on whose ministry Presi- 
dent Harrison occasionally attended for the last six years of h'13 life,) 
writes as follows: — 

"General Harrison was a constant attendant on public worship. Always 
devout in his manners, earnest in attention and sympathetic in feeling. On 
retiring from public service of the sabbath where he was present, I al- 
ways, felt that there was at least one present who heard and felt, and would 
not complain of close, pointed and plain expositions of the word of God. 
He would sometimes say, — "In preaching, shoot low and take good aim. 
If you wound me, it is my fault. You ministers should fear none but God. 
Deliver his messages clearly and forcibly, and then it matters not who is 
offended. Never preach merely for the wise and learned. Make yourself 
understood even by the children. Theological infidels out of the church 
do but little injury to the cause of piety; but practical infidels in the 
church do the mischief." 

The sentiments exhibited by the foregoing quotations are genuine. — 
They are in truth the outlines of Christianity in both theory and practice. 

But hear the testimony respecting his personal experience. 

"I first saw the General addressing a large congregation of his fellow 
townsmen on the subject of Temperance. At the close of the meeting, no- 
tice was given that he would address the children at Cleves, the next 
Lord's day, on the subject of Sabbath schools. It was peculiarly interest- 
ing to hearara old soldier urging his neighbors to pledge themselves against 
their most dangerous foe, and persuading the children and youth to enlist 
under the banner of Christ. 

"I determined to avail myself of the first opportunity for learning the 
reason of his conduct. As I was welcomed to his house, I did not wait 
long for the desired opportunity. In the course of conversation on the sub- 
ject of religion generally, I said — Do you feel, sir, that you have at present 
a personal interest in Christ? He replied, I was taught the principles of 
Christianity in my childhood; and I trust they have at all times had some 
influence over me. But of late I feel more on the subject of religion. I 
know the Bible is a revelation from God. Its doctrines are consistent, its 
precepts pure, and its plan of salvation seems admirably adapted to the 
wants of sinners. Still I am certainly not what a Christian should be, yet 
I do not need any one to teach me, for I know my duty. But when I 
would do good, evil is present with me." 

At a subsequent interview he observed, "I feel more and more the ira. 
portance of personal religion. I do think I enjoy religion, and delight in 
the duties of a child of God, and have concluded to unite with the church, 
so soon as my health will permit." In these private conversations, he was 
free and unembarrassed. His views of truth were clear and evangelical. 
He recognized distinctly the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as God — Christ 

*See first discourse, page 7. 



17 

as the atoning sacrifice for sin— the depravity of man, and the agency of 
the Spirit in regeneration. 

"Soon after this, he was a candidate for the Presidency, and being much 
from home, I saw him less frequently. But when opportunity presented, 
I inquired if his interest in the things of religion had abated. He answer- 
ed < Not in the least. It is the one thing needful. I needits consola- 
tion and support now more than ever. I intended to have united with the 
church before this; but on reflection, 1 felt that if I were to do so in my 
peculiar circumstances, it would be construed into a political design. But 
I shall certainly do so as soon as circumstances will permit." 

The Pastor declares that the private life of General Harrison was one of 
exemplary piety. 

Thus far have we followed this worthy man in his domestic and secluded 
walks. For a moment let us examine and see if he cast off these worthy 
traits of character when he ascended the seat of fame, and civil power. 

In a sermon delivered at Washingion, D. C on the sabbath after the de- 
cease of the late President, by the Rev. Mr. Van Rensselaer, he says — 

"The first sabbath after his Inauguration he (General Harrison,) was 
verv much annoyed by some persons who had been admitted into his house, 
contrary to his orders; and he remarked to one of the family — 'We must 
break up at once this Sunday visiting. 1 " 

Here is something of the soldier surely, — no parley — the discharge of 
duty to God, requires but few compliments — Let it be broken up at once. 
Much of the Christian is here too; for the command grows directly out 
of the law of God. Have we ever heard such language from this place be- 
fore? When reverence for the sabbath is maintained at the fountain head, 
we may hope the streams will be akin. 

"The next sabbath some of the Foreign Ambassadors called, and were 
refused admittance as being contrary to the President's habits; but in the 
evening some gentlemen, under the plea of being particular friends, 
thoughtlessly intruded upon the quiet of his mansion. He sat with them 
a few minutes in evident uneasiness; and after, rising and walking about 
the room a little, he turned and said — 'Gentlemen, I shall be happy to see 
you on any evening but Sunday evening,' and he retired to his room, leav- 
ing them with same other members of his family." 

Well and faithfully does he carry out his holy veneration for the Chris- 
tian sabba'h. 

General Harrison "expressed his great surprise, that there was no Bible 
in the President's mansion. He remarked thit the Bible ought to be a 
part of the furniture of the house; and he added — I intond to buy, out of 
the first Congressional appropriation, the best copy I can find, and to write 
in it— '77ts President of the United Slates; from the People of the United 
States.' " 

"On another occasion," continues Mr. Van Rmssalaer, "he expressed 
his deep sense of his religious obfig it ions; an;l his determination to unite 
with the church; which he said he would hive done four years ago, if it 

had not been for the turmoil and suspicion of the political contest. The 
3— 



18 

same thing he repeatedly said to many of his relatives and friends during 
this long period; and for the last time on his death bed." 

Further, we cannot trace him; but thus far, strongly he stands for the 
cause of his God. 

Nothing need be more clear than that General Harrison loved and wor- 
shiped the Great Redeemer; and that it was the highest purpose of his 
heart 1o sustain thi* character openly, and on all occasions. 

Many of you before me cast your votes to place him at the head of this 
Nation. You did this, 1 suppose, because you deemed him competent to 
fill, and worthy to occupy, the place. His promise to carry out certain 
measures was a sufficient guaranty on his part. Yowcould trust him. 
Now, it may be, that some of this very number are, on the subject of reli- 
gion, sceptical. If the pledge of the departed Hero was worthy of your 
confidence politically, why not receive his testimony touching the still more 
important subject of religion? Most happy am I in being allowed to point 
you to so valuable an example. I trust in God, that, in this "particular, 
though dead, hs may continue to speak to you. He valued this reliance. 
It is, said he, "the one thing needf jI." And so he fmnd it when he laid 
his venerable head on the pillow of death. 

There are two declarations of his which I shall embrace the earliest 
opportunity to have engraved, appropriately framed, and hung up in the 
best room under my roof. I shall do this, because I love, sacredly love, 
the sentiments therein contained; and because I wish my children to learn 
them and revere the memory of their noble author. They fell, as it were, 
spontaneously from his lips, as they lived in his heart. He did not utter 
them merely to be heard of men, for he spoke the one when grieved in 
spirit that men in power would live neglectful of God and the Bible. He 
uttered the other when the pale light of lifa was fast expiring in its sock- 
et; — when, through tha dimness of death's cold shade, his soul looked out, 
and told what he would have done for his country. 

I have before adverted to both of these declarations. But I wish here. 
to put them together, that we may see, side by side, two of the noblest 
sentiments that ever swayed the life, or warmed the bosom, of mortal 
man. 

One is — "I am surprised that there is ho Bible in the President's man- 
sion. I intend to buy out of the first Congressional appropriation, the 
best copy I can find, and to write in it — The President of the United 
States; from Ike People of the United States. 1 ' 

The other is — "Sir, I wish you to understand the true principles of the 
government. 1 wish ihein carried out. I ask nothing more.''' 

The first, breathes his full heart up to God. The latter, breathes his full 
soul out for his country. They are two pillars, on one of which rests the 
true greatness of this earth; ou the other, the bliss and immortal glory of 
Heaven above. 



19 

We have heard it said, that "General Harrison was an honest, but not a 
great man." How then are we to define greatness? 

Conceive if you can of the capaciousness of the mind of that man, who 
is perfectly at home in all the departments of science and art, of literature 
and politics — the tactics of the soldier, and the devotions of the Christian: 
— Whom you find at one time in the field of battle; then in his country's 
councils; then tilling the earth ; at the same time addressing literary, me- 
chanic, patriotic, moral and religious societies — pointing out to the sabbath 
school boy the way to wisdom — calling the wayward tippler back to sobriety 
and hope — listening to the calls, and aiding the wants, of the "poor and 
needy; 1 ' and then, without losing the least in moral or mental equilibrium, 
stepping into the car of state, grasping the helm of government, steadying 
the angry mass of political factions; I say, conceive of the physical, men- 
tal and moral energies of suck a man, and then remember, that man was 
William Henry Harrison. If in any one branch he did not excel all 
others, yet, combining his singular variety of character, and considering, 
during his long life, he successfully devoted the whole, to good and hono- 
rable purposes; we conclude, if his equal may be found, his Superior, 
NEVER! 

We may appropriate to our late President the touching and eloquent 
eulogy of the Bible: — "When the ear heard, then it blest him; and when 
the eye saw him it gave witness to him. Because he delivered the poor 
that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The 
blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon him, and he caused 
the widow's heart to sing for joy. He was eyes to the blind, and feet to 
the lame. He was a father to the poor, and the cause that he knew not he 
searched out;" and "the memory of the Just is blessed." 



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